The wind is howling and the temperature is dropping to about - 9 degrees F (- 22 C), but after tonight, it will start getting a bit warmer. This time of year I am reminded of the scene in Dr. Zhivago where they are living in a frozen country estate, in one heated room. The image of the Ice Palace as I

think it is called, is a strong memory from my childhood.

There were a lot of VERY short outside jaunts today for Pasha, followed by long

warm-ups by the fire. I stayed in, mostly. A good day for teaching prep, though the

studio would have been nicer. I didn't want to use a ton of propane. But then

I went to check on the studio and found I wasn't using ANY. Frozen, but the gas

heater came on easily, so, not sure if there's a problem with the thermostat.

I left it going fine, we'll see, choosing not to fret. Frozen inks and watercolors

and glues... they'll thaw. Its happened once before in the old studio.

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

The white ink on black paper drawings that started as experiments are becoming

something I'm very intrested in. As I continuded exploring the ink, I began to see

the subtle layering possibilities when the ink is used at different saturations. The

owl drawing above is one of the latest ones, with more of an understanding of

the materials. I'm on a quest for the best paper to use, as I've pushed the limits

of the drawing paper I was using. I think I've found a good option for my drawing

process and am excited to try it out. The drawing, Barred Owl on Branch, below,

is one of the earlier ones, and you can see I'm just beginning to play with ink

saturation.

"Barred Owl on Branch", 7x5", VClaff 2012

The owls have found their way into my Etsy shop, and because this work is not

in any of the galleries that represent me, I can offer them at reasonable cost. In fact,

this is true of most of the work in my shop. To take a look, click here, especially

if you need a place to spend holiday money! I'm happy to say that the Owl in Flight drawing is flying off to KD at Nomad Dreamingto live. Her present post shares photos

of a beautiful, arctic visitor... go take a look!

"Forest", VClaff 2012

"Owl in the Night", 7x5" VClaff 2012

"Winter Owl", 10x8", VClaff 2012

I'm offering the two drawings below at a discount because there is slight buckling

in the paper. They are archival and will be fine, especially if they are matted.

They will fit in standard mats sized for an 8 x 10" image. These are two of my

favorites so far and are leading me into the a deeper exploration with the ink.

The drawings are $95.00 plus shipping. If you are interested, you'll find my email

listed on my profile page, or leave a comment here with information on how to

contact you.

After most of the month with periods of icing and then warming, we now have

a steady cold upon us. The pre-snow garden was beautiful in its frozen state.

And I've noticed that I'm looking rather frosty, too,

now that my hair matches my gray woolen cap.

Tucked in there, under the frozen, bending

hemlocks is the studio, see it?

After celebrating a lovely Solstice with a small group ritual in the studio, I raced off the following day to get my father at the airport. We had our traditional Christmas Eve dinner with my sister and her family - the roast beef, Yorkshire Pudding, and home-made busch de noel was well worth the long drive!(well, and the presents, too!) Dad and I shared a cold Christmas reading and walking and being quiet by the fire.

I gave Dad two of my newer paintings - always good to give

flat gifts for those flying long distances!

The snows came just in time for Dad to have his once a year

shoveling experience, just so he doesn't forget how to.

There was lots more reading by the fire after that.

And for some older furry ones, there was much watching

from the window.

Below - subject of watcher.

We stopped at the family mausoleum on Dad's way back to

the airport. Its an impressive building that I haven't seen

since I was a small child. Mom is buried outside, she wanted

earth and not stone. I spread lots of birdseed cause she was

an avid bird-watcher just like the old furry one.

Dropped Dad at my sister's for an early morning airport run....

here's a goofy, blurry photo, just in case you think that the mood around

here is mostly like the last post, don't worry, there's plenty of the below stuff, too.

Back in the hills, winter snows and cold have settled in.

I've shoveled a lot since Dad left only a few days ago.

After all the shoveling, I have a warm, furry laptop. Way

more soothing than the shiny, aluminum kind! He stays just long enough,

then heads to his little rug once I'm warmed up a bit. Luckily the fire doesn't

About Me

I dwell in a peaceful forest clearing amongst tall, sweeping hemlocks. A gathering of oaks encircles my home, and ravens cling to the shadows in the deep shade of the forest beyond. They gift me with squawking and rhythmic beats of wings and call to life the wild spirit within. The mosses, stones and trees, creature beings and spirits of the deep wood whisper, inspire and enchant. I remember and dream and reclaim myself as a sacred being in the web of all life, doing my best to live my life between the culture to which I belong, and the forest which is my true home.
I make things visual in watercolors, oils, ink, scratchboard, and clay/mixed-media. I sing ancient sounding songs (so I'm told) and tell stories from magical realms and the land of dreams.